UK transplant center sets record for heart transplants LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The University of Kentucky Transplant Center has set a new record for the most heart transplants performed by a Kentucky medical center in a single year. The center recently completed the 38th adult heart transplant of 2015, handily beating the previous state record of 27. Dec 1/15http://www.wtvq.com/2015/12/01/uk-transplant-center-sets-record-for-heart-transplants/

Scientists Use Stem Cells From Rats To Create First Contracting Muscle Using stem cells from rats, scientists have generated new sections of the diaphragm that could one day replace damaged or missing ones in babies Pushing the field of regenerative medicine one step further, researchers led by Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, professor of regenerative medicine at Karolinska Institute, have succeed in re-creating one of the most complex organs made from stem cells so far. The results of their new study are published in the journal Biomaterials. Dec 1/15http://time.com/4131443/stem-cells-trachea-muscle/

Criteria published for research into organ transplantation from one person with hiv to another Federal partners recently took two important steps that will allow scientists to carry out research on organ donations from HIV-positive donors into HIV-positive recipients as authorized by the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act. As required under the Act, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have each finalized and published safeguards and criteria for research to assess the safety and effectiveness of these transplants. Dec 2/15https://blog.aids.gov/2015/12/criteria-published-for-research-into-organ-transplantation-from-one-person-with-hiv-to-another.html

Canadian teen undergoes first of its kind triple-organ transplant A Toronto teen with cystic fibrosis has been given a second chance at life with a first-of-its-kind triple-organ transplant. In August, Reid Wylie underwent a 17-hour operation to replace his failing lungs, liver and pancreas at Toronto General Hospital, freeing him from using an oxygen tank and allowing him to eat meals without taking daily handfuls of pills to digest his food and insulin shots to control his diabetes. A number of triple transplants have been performed using various organs, but this is believed to be the first in the world to replace the lungs, liver and pancreas in a single operation, the hospital said. Dec 3/15http://globalnews.ca/news/2377086/canadian-teen-undergoes-first-of-its-kind-triple-organ-transplant/

Stem-Cell Leader Expands in New York One of the country’s leaders in stem-cell research and education is expanding its operations in Manhattan, the latest sign of the city’s growth as a biotechnology center. The New York Stem Cell Foundation, a 10-year-old nonprofit that now occupies about 20,000 square feet in two locations, has signed a 20-year lease for about 42,000 square feet at 619 West 54th St. The new space--which will include a laboratory, offices and common areas—will expand the foundation’s technological capacity and accommodate more than double the current staff, which today includes 45 full-time scientists, according to Susan Solomon, the foundation’s chief executive. Nov 30/15http://www.wsj.com/articles/stem-cell-leader-expands-in-new-york-1448843617

Organ donation: Law change 'not enough', says expert One of the world's leading transplant experts has said Wales will need to do more than change the law to increase organ donations. Dr Rafael Matesanz is medical director of the Organizacion Nacional de Trasplantes in Madrid. He said an "open discussion" among families and systems being geared up in hospital intensive care were more important factors. The Welsh government has encouraged people to speak about organ donation. Nov 30/15http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-34932951

Revolutionary achievements in transplants could redefine medicine Recent studies and experiments have made huge strides forward in this vital branch of medicine. In just the past year, a firefighter who was injured on the job was given a new face, the first clinical trials of uterus transplantation started in the U.S., and chemically synthesized vocal cords were found compatible when grafted into the bodies of animals. All of these advances and many more are making transplantation more useful and pragmatic than ever before. The applications for these great breakthroughs could shake the very foundations of medical treatment. Dec 2/15